Even though we always endeavour not to spoil there may be unintentional spoilers for season 1, 2, 3 or 4 It may be worth your while looking at our synopsis of the first season or better still grab a visual copy of Buffy on DVD, or through Netflix etc and have some slaying fun. If you don’t mind learning a little more of the comings and goings centred around Sunnydale high then read on McDuff.
The Season 4 finale was perhaps my least favourite episode. It felt like a mid season show and did not have the draw of previous end of series hootenanny's. Of course not every show can be a blockbuster but for a show to bring back watchers it needs either a grandstand finish or lots of goodwill. Thankfully Buffy was a strong enough show that many did come back but they were presented with he ultimate Vampire cliché Dracula. It has all the hallmarks of a weak episode with everyone falling for his spell. Well everyone but our newly house trained vampire Spike
 | Riley: What can you tell me about Dracula? |
 Image courtesy of Dark Horse Comics | Of course it would not be Buffy if the usual pattern followed but truthfully this episode does improve but just like the season as a whole its ups are high and up and downs are pretty low. For that its probably the weakest season, there are some interesting new happenings in Sunnydale but they do not really make the season a must watch. Obviously though for completeness the pay off for the season comes in the future especially thanks to Dawn. We also have a new bad in Harmony, she may seem cute and fuzzy but ultimately this is one vampiress not to be messed with. Sorry I tried but Harmony is a comedic villain and not in keeping with the usual tone of bad. In Buffy's real life she has a multitude of things taking up her time from college life to a spot of big sistering. However the biggest change really comes via Willow with her powers growing her Witch like capabilities are proving her to be a formidable force. She is still as out there as ever and her light hearted brand of humour is generally a welcome addition especially when compared to Xander's more in your face brand of wit. Of course the powers are not the only change to the flame haired sorceress she also has a new partner in Tara. The addition of a lesbian character was one of the biggest gambles of the whole Buffy show, it shouldn't have been but even in this day and age it still raises eyebrows when a gay character appears on TV. Thankfully Tara's and Willow's relationship is tender and avoids obvious tropes. |
This season will be most remembered for two of the most impactful deaths in TV history. But more of that later.
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